Gain (Unbalanced)
Unbalanced gain describes how much a signal’s voltage changes through an amplifier’s RCA signal path, expressed in decibels (dB).
A gain of 20 dB multiplies voltage by ten: 1 V becomes 10 V, provided the amplifier can deliver that output without clipping, which flattens signal peaks. At 0 dB, voltage stays unchanged; negative gain reduces it.
Gain (Unbalanced) — Power Amp
For a power amp, this is the gain from the RCA input to the speaker terminals. Higher gain needs less input voltage for the same speaker output. It does not establish higher rated watts or better sound.
Input sensitivity answers a different question: how many input volts produce a specified output? Compare gain figures with their gain-switch position, test frequency and operating mode intact. A bridged-mode figure cannot replace a stereo figure. Use the RCA specification; do not assume a fixed relationship to XLR gain.
Sources
Gain (Unbalanced) — Preamp
For a line preamp, gain runs from a line input to a line output feeding the next amplifier. Check both connection types and the gain or volume setting. A figure for RCA input to XLR output need not describe RCA input to RCA output.
Match the available source voltage and preamp output to the following amplifier’s input requirement, within output limits before clipping. Extra gain can mean needing more volume reduction. Maximum gain is the largest voltage ratio; the volume-control range is the span of adjustment. Use the documented RCA gain: there is no universal relationship between RCA and XLR gain.
Sources
- LA4 manual: gain and line connections (pp. 14, 26, 38–39) — Benchmark Media Systems
Sources
- Voltage gain and output limiting — Analog Devices